Virtual reality may not have totally changed entertainment the way people thought it would a decade ago, but it’s definitely not going anywhere. Nearly one in five adults in the U.S. have tried out a virtual reality experience at some point, and that number is only going up.
Virtual reality (VR) is sometimes seen as an extension of video games, something “just for fun.” But this technology is being used for pretty serious reasons. Construction workers, doctors, airline pilots, and many other professionals in high-risk fields are increasingly turning to VR for training and education.
Now a VR experience from Sydney, Australia, brings something new and exciting to the table. Our Catholic faith took center stage in a new VR project that’s inspiring young people across the region.
A digital journey through Carlo Acutis’ world
What if you could walk where a saint walked? See where they lived? Kneel beside them and experience life the way they did?
How would it change you?
Making it possible for young people to do that is the premise behind Carlo Acutis: A Light in the Digital World, a new VR experience. You can watch a little of it in this Instagram video.
In just a few minutes, the experience takes viewers to Blessed Carlo’s childhood bedroom; the bustling streets of his hometown, Milan; a cathedral where he liked to pray; and other scenes from his life.
The experience was a highlight of the Diocese of Sydney’s recent Purpose Fest, a celebration of young Catholic life in the region. 10 VR stations available throughout the festival allowed several hundred young attendees to take part.
Using tech to share the Gospel
Daniel Ang, director of the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation, developed the VR experience in collaboration with leading Sydney-based tech innovators. For Ang, it represents the latest in a long line of Catholics using new technologies to evangelize.
“I think Christians are always called to explore what is available to share the Gospel with joy,” Ang said.
For example, St. Maximilian Kolbe started a radio station to broadcast Catholic teachings. Venerable Fulton Sheen hosted a popular television show called “Life Is Worth Living,” reaching up to 10 million viewers each week.
Seeing new technology used in such a powerful way is a sign of hope. When young people see the ordinary scenes of Blessed Carlo’s life, it helps them to know that they too can become saints.
As VR becomes more popular and other new technologies arise, we hope and pray for it to continue to be used for good, as this project shows is possible.
